Designation: C 1353 – 08

Standard Test Method Using the Taber Abraser for

Abrasion Resistance of Dimension Stone Subjected to Foot
Traffic1, 2
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1353; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope C 97 Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Grav-

1.1 This test method covers the establishment of an index of
abrasion resistance by determination of loss of weight resulting
from abrasion of dimension stone as described in Terminology
C 119 and is modeled after Test Method C 501.
1.2 The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as
the standard.
1.3 This test method makes use of a Taber abraser machine
to determine the weight loss of dimension stone under con-
trolled conditions.
1.4 This test method is useful in indicating the differences in
abrasion resistance between the various dimension stones. This
test method provides one element in comparing stones of the
same type.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on
Dimension Stone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.01 on Test
Methods.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published December 2008. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C 1353 – 07.
2
The Taber abraser is available in two models: the 5130 with a single head or the
5150 with dual testing heads. The 5130 machine replaces Model 503, which is a
single head machine. Both machines function in the same manner. The sole source
of supply of the Taber abraser and Model 200 wheel surfacer known to the
committee at this time is Taber Instrument Corp., 455 Bryant Street, North
Tonawanda, NY 14120. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which
you may attend.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
ity of Dimension Stone
C 119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
C 121 Test Method for Water Absorption of Slate
C 501 Test Method for Relative Resistance to Wear of
Unglazed Ceramic Tile by the Taber Abraser
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 index of abrasion resistance, n—a number calculated
from the weight loss of a specimen subjected to a given number
of revolutions against a standard bonded abrasive wheel.
3.1.2 sample, n—a geometrically regular block of stone.
3.1.3 test specimen, n—a flat prism of specified size and
shape cut from the submitted sample.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of mounting the stone speci-
men in suitable holders, attaching the mounted holder to the
spindle of the Taber abraser, and subjecting the specimen to a
prescribed number of revolutions under abrasive wheels of
specified coarseness for a definite applied load. From the loss
of weight due to abrasion, the abrasive wear index is calculated
by a given formula.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Taber abraser machine, Model 5130 or 5150, equipped
with replaceable hard abrasive H-22 Calibrade wheels that can
be loaded by weights.
5.2 Table Model 200 refacing machine.
5.3 Vacuum pick up to remove the abraded material.
5.4 Revolution counter.
5.5 Balance with a capacity of 500 g (0.5 lb) and capable of
reading to two decimal places.
5.6 Desiccator containing a drying agent of sufficient size to
contain samples to be tested.
5.7 Diamond saw (cut-off) with diamond-edged blade lubri-
cated with water.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 08:53:10 EDT 2009 1
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 1353 – 08
5.8 Electrically powered drill capable of drilling a 6 mm (1⁄4
in.) hole through the specimen.
5.9 A ventilated drying oven.
6. Sampling
6.1 Three stone samples 100 mm (4 in.) square and 10 mm
(3⁄8 in.) thick shall constitute a sample and shall be chosen from
material to be tested.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 Three test specimens are required. Each test specimen
shall meet the following conditions:
7.1.1 A slab 100 mm (4 in.) square with the corners cut off
to give a maximum radius of 60 mm (23⁄8 in.) with a 6 mm (1⁄4
in.) hole in the center and the thickness equal to 10 mm (3⁄8 in.)
or less.
7.1.2 The upper surface shall be flat with either a finish as
required for the test or ground and smoothed with 120 mesh
grit. Rough surfaces, such as thermal, bush-hammered, gang-
sawn, and cleft finishes, are not suitable for testing in accor-
dance with this test method.
8. Procedure
8.1 Determine the bulk specific gravity (p) of dimension
stone in accordance with Test Methods C 97 and C 121 for
slate. Bulk specific gravity testing shall be performed, using a
modified specimen geometry, on the same specimens to be
used for the abrasion resistance tests. Dry in an oven at a
temperature of 60°C 6 2°C (140°F 6 4°F) for 48 h. Cool in a
desiccator and weigh (wo). The test specimens shall remain in
desiccator until tested. Tests should not begin unless the
relative humidity is 45 to 55 % and the temperature is at
22 6 3°C (72 6 4°F).
8.2 Weigh the test specimen to the nearest 0.01 g (0.00002
lb).
8.3 Place the test specimen on the table of the abraser with
the surface to be tested uppermost.
8.4 Perform test work in a controlled environment, space, or
room.
8.5 Set the vacuum cleaner-extractor to 90 to 100 % capac-
ity. Lower and adjust the orifice arm so the orifice is a distance
of 1 to 2 mm (1⁄8 to 1⁄16 in.) above the test surface.
8.6 Load each holder with a 1 kg (2.2 lb) weight above the
abrasive wheel and gently lower the wheels onto the surface of
the test specimen.
8.7 Switch on the vacuum cleaner-extractor.
8.8 Rotate the table for 1000 revolutions. Gently brush the
abrasive wheels while the test specimen is rotating to assist in
the removal of loose dust and prevent clogging the abrasive
wheels.
NOTE 1—The preferred number of revolutions is 1000 regardless of the
stone type. Some stones may wear through before 1000 revolutions. For
these stones, the equipment should be stopped when the wear has reduced
the thickness by 70 to 80 %. Stop the test if the abrasive wheels become
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 08:53:10 EDT 2009 2
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
excessively worn. If the test is stopped before 1000 revolutions are
completed, state the reason in the test report.
8.9 Remove the specimen carefully from the table, brush
clean the dust and abrasive grains, and weigh (w1).
9. Calculation
9.1 Calculate the index of abrasion resistance as follows:
36.75 n
Iw 5 w 2 w 3 p 3 1000
o 1
where:
Iw = index of abrasion resistance,
wo = initial weight of test specimen, g
w1 = weight of test specimen after 1000 revolutions, g
p = bulk specific gravity, and
n = number of revolutions actually run during the test.
NOTE 2—The formula for determining Iw requires the use of metric
units. Attempting to use this formula with imperial units will result in
erroneous values for Iw.
NOTE 3—Test results from hard and coarse-grained stones such as
granite should be viewed with caution. Hard stones may both polish and
abrade, thus resulting in an increase in the indicated value of Iw.
Coarse-grained stones may exhibit a wider than normal variation of Iw
results in addition to polishing and abrading because of differences in
hardness between grains.
10. Report
10.1 Report the following information for each test speci-
men:
10.1.1 Identification number and source of sample,
10.1.2 Commercial name or description of stone and surface
tested,
10.1.3 Date of test,
10.1.4 Identity of test operator,
10.1.5 Identification number of each test specimen,
10.1.6 Value of bulk specific gravity used in the calcula-
tions,
10.1.7 Index of abrasion resistance of each test specimen
and average of the three test specimens,
10.1.8 Presence of any defect or surface feature likely to
have influenced the result,
10.1.9 Identification of the operator and laboratory carrying
out the test,
10.1.10 The relative humidity of the test area, and
10.1.11 The actual number of revolutions run. If the test was
stopped before 1000 revolutions were completed, state the
reason.
11. Precision and Bias
11.1 Precision—Not enough data exists that will serve as a
basis for preparing a precision statement.
11.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference material, there-
fore, no bias statement can be made.
12. Keywords
12.1 abrasion resistance; dimension stone; Taber abraser
 C 1353 – 08
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 08:53:10 EDT 2009 3
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.